A NORTHUMBERLAND County Councillor has urged locals and tourists to be responsible amid a 'rise' in illegal wild camping and anti-social behaviour.
A senior Northumberland County Councillor is appealing to visitors to respect the county's natural beauty and safety regulations, following a 'significant rise' in issues associated with illegal wild camping and open fires, particularly across the 'protected coastal and countryside areas.'
County Cllr Gordon Stewart, the Authority's Cabinet member for Public Safety, said: "The plea comes after recent damaging incidents, including a serious wildfire at Druridge Bay, which was caused by an out-of-control campfire and required the deployment of multiple fire crews to contain the blaze. These incidents are causing environmental harm, scarring landscapes, and posing a serious risk to public safety and local wildlife."
During a recent night-time patrol with Northumbria Police, Cllr Stewart said that 'it was clear' that people were 'illegally wild camping and trespassing' on rural Northumbrian land, noting that 'often human faeces, glass and general rubbish' are being left behind.
"Northumberland is an incredibly beautiful place, and we welcome all responsible visitors who come to enjoy our stunning coast and countryside. However, damage to these areas through anti-social behaviour, littering, and illegal camping is completely unacceptable," he added.
